Nine year old punched in face by phone robbers

A nine-year-old boy playing in a park with his sisters has been left with facial injuries after being robbed by a gang.

The boy and his sisters, aged seven and 11, were in the play area of Addison Howard Park when the boy was approached by three youths.

They punched him several times in the face and took a mobile phone. The three offenders then jumped on a single blue moped and sped off towards the parade of shops in Bedford Road.

Detective Constable Surinder Ram said: “This was an utterly despicable attack on a young boy who was enjoying the evening sunshine in the park. He was subjected to a violent and intimidating attack by these offenders and it is imperative we find out who they are as quickly as possible.”

The officer added the park would have been busy when the attack took place about 8pm on Sunday, September 7, as people were visiting the funfair at the junction of Hillgrounds and Bedford Road.

The offenders were all black teenagers aged between 14 and 16. One wore black tracksuit bottoms, Adidas trainers and gloves while two had scarves over their faces.

DC Ram said: “I would urge anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to come forward and talk to us.”